Volunteers congratulated on creating a "better and vibrant Laois"

The great contribution by Laois community groups and volunteers that makes the county a better place to live, was acknowledged both by the Laois County Council Cathaoirleach and CEO, at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards awards night.

CEO John Mulholland congratulated everyone for their committed work, saying they have played a “significant role in enhancing our quality of life at local and county level and even in some cases, beyond the county boundary”.

“The giving of people’s time and effort voluntarily isn’t always easy. Nowadays, time is a precious commodity which we all seem to have less of.

“But volunteers make time, time to give to others in such a diverse range of areas, be it fundraising, helping neighbours or organising local events that encourage visitors or just for the pure enjoyment of the community. All of these efforts and their successes are down to you and your colleagues. I commend and congratulate you for that.

“I would like to join with the Cathaoirleach, Laois Public Participation Network and the People first Credit Union in acknowledging the tremendous work of the community and voluntary sector in Laois.

“I would like to thank those organisations that assisted with the Awards ceremony tonight, both through sponsorship and through the judging of the various categories for the awards and to our media partner, the Leinster Express for their continual coverage and support for the event.

“I would also like to thank the elected members and the staff of Laois County Council’s Community Section, for their efforts in making tonight a success once again.

“I hope you all enjoy this evening’s celebrations and congratulate you all again on your nomination for an Award. I wish you well in your work and I hope that Laois County Council can continue to work with you all into the future, to create a better and vibrant County Laois,” Mr Mulholland said.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal McEvoy described their “selfless dedication” in his speech.

“It gives me great pleasure as Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, to celebrate this evening with you, and to acknowledge the incredible contribution made by the community and voluntary sector here in Laois.

“The nominees here tonight represent so many groups, organisations and individuals in the county, all of whom freely give of their time and efforts.

“All of you have your own unique talents and are truly committed to using these talents and skills, to make Laois a better place in which to live, work and visit. We are here this evening to acknowledge your selfless dedication and commitment to your community, through giving your time, your co-operation, your imagination, and your hard work to help your fellow citizens in all walks of life,” he said.

The Cathaoirleach had a special word for the umbrella organisation that supports the hundreds of local groups, Laois Public Participation Network (PPN).

“On behalf of the members of Laois County Council, I’d like to also acknowledge the association of Laois PPN with this year’s Awards. They are the main link through which organizations in Laois can interact with Laois County Council.

“PPN volunteers both promote and support the work of the community sector and have an input on your behalf into policy making in the county.

“I congratulate those who voluntarily give up their time to come to meetings and participate so they can represent you in this way.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Corporate Sponsor, Peoples First Credit Union and our long-term media partner, the Leinster Express. Without your contributions, the awards would not be the gala event that it is today.

“I thank our associate sponsors Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Climate Action, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Partnership Company, and Laois County Council's Sports & Recreation Section, Arts Section & Heritage Section. The 2023 awards have seen a number of changes most notably our new award category Climate Action, with various more winners in all other categories.

“Congratulations and thank you all for the work you have carried out in your various areas. I wish you well in your future endeavours,” concluded the Cathaoirleach.